Ghulam Abbas highlights a night of harmony

Qawali night held at PNCA.

ISLAMABAD:

As the hall echoed with qawwali music and lyrics, many shook their heads in a trance-like state while others kept clapping to the beat. The Pakistan National Council of the Arts had invited six well-known qawwals to perform before an audience that braved the rain and wind on Sunday to make their way to the event.

The effort was worthwhile, as the qawwals with their powerful vocals left the audience mesmerised.

Arif Feroz from Lahore was the first to perform, warming up the event with “Mein jana jogi de naal” and “Man kunto maula”.

After only two qawwalis, Feroz made space for Sikander Miandad, also from Lahore, who performed, “Tu bhi Haideri malang mein bhi Haideri malang”  and “Allah hi Allah”.

Once the solos were done, the duo of brothers Naim Hassan and Shabbir Hassan, both under the tutelage of the Data Darbar qawwal family, performed “Apna app pehchan vey bandiyan”.

The fifth performer on stage was Fakhir Nazir, also from Lahore, who performed “Allah hu” and “Faqir banday Ali da dar”.

By now the auditorium was charged up with hooting and cheering as many others clapped along with the rhythmic beat of the tabla. Ghulam Abbas, a well-known student of Mehdi Hassan who had travelled from Faisalabad, took the stage and immediately thanked the audience for the warm welcome. “An artist is nothing without an audience,” he said. He kicked off his performance with Amir Khushro’s “Aaj rang hai” and “Mil keh bichar gaye”.

Even though PNCA seems to have traditional musical concerts every week, one can’t help but notice the lack of youngsters at these events. “The classical-style events are held in good faith and it is with such programmes that we can bring our traditional music back into limelight,” said Ali, who was attending the Qawwali night.

“The subcontinent is recognised by the qawwali and traditional classical music. It is our heritage, and that is why it is necessary to promote this art as much as possible,” said Amber Shah, one of the organisers.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2012.